Table of contents for 2026-02-13 in Star

Tongaat Hulett has filed for provisional liquidation at the KwaZulu-Natal High Court after winning bidder, Vision Group, failed to agree financing terms with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), with SA Canegrowers saying the folding up of the agro-processing giant will affect cane growers, millers and the entire sugar industry value chain. Business rescue practitioners in Tongaat Hulett on Thursday said the company had now filed for provisional liquidation, saying the Business Rescue Plan adopted by shareholders, creditors and other stakeholders last year was “no longer being implementable as a result of the lapsing of the Sale Agreements” with Vision. “The adopted Business Rescue Plan, proposed by Vision and approved by creditors in January 2024, was premised on a debt to equity exchange, failing which an asset sale transaction,” said the…

Verto’s South African Agricultural Exporters Report released on Wednesdayindicated that the South African agricultural export sector is experiencing a period of robust, horticulture-driven growth despite logistical challenges and inefficient cross-border payment systems that are steadily eroding exporter profitability. Exports are projected to exceed $13.7 billion (R218 billion) in the 2025 outlook, primarily fueled by strong demand for high-value commodities like citrus, grapes, and macadamia nuts. The report added that despite this positive momentum, the sector's competitiveness is significantly constrained by systemic inefficiencies and rising costs. “The primary deterrent is the "Achilles' heel" of logistics, specifically persistent congestion and operational delays at ports and the deterioration of rail infrastructure, which directly impacts the timeliness and cost of perishable exports. Trade policy uncertainty, notably the status of the AGOA agreement, and persistent…

South Africa does not need to guess what economic success looks like. We have already done it. Over the past decade, the country has quietly built one of the world’s most competitive Global Business Services (GBS) sectors — attracting multinational investment, exporting high-value services, and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs for young South Africans. What began as a call-centre industry has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem spanning customer experience, fintech support, analytics, and digital back-office operations. GBS offers more than a success story; it provides a blueprint for how South Africa can lead the industries of the future. At a time when youth unemployment remains one of our greatest national risks — and responsibilities — the question is no longer whether South Africa can compete globally. The real question…

He created a signature shade of red and dressed the most glamorous women in the world – from Princess Diana to Zendaya – but Valentino’s greatest stroke of creative genius could turn out to be his deceased estate. Often referred to as the ‘emperor’ of Italian fashion, Valentino Garavani, passed away at the age of 93 in January 2026 in Rome. His death brought down the curtain on an era of high fashion while opening a new chapter in the management of his vast estate. His empire is estimated to be worth $1.5 billion although luxury assets and his art collections could push this figure higher. A closer look at what he leaves behind reveals that it includes the beautiful creations he became famous for, but also the many things…

South Africa’s mining sector ended 2025 on a marginally firmer footing, with total production rising by just 0.1% compared with 2024, as gains in iron ore and manganese helped offset declines in platinum group metals (PGMs), coal and gold. This marked a moderate slowdown from the 0.6% growth in mining production recorded in 2024. Data from Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) on Thursday, mining production increased by 2.5% year-on-year in December 2025, rebounding from a downwardly revised 2.4% contraction in November. The improvement was largely driven by strong performances in manganese ore and iron ore. Manganese ore output surged by 40.4% year-on-year in December, up from 16.7% in November, while iron ore production jumped 19%, reversing November’s 7.6% decline. Other metallic minerals rose by 27.3%, nickel by 26.6%, chromium ore by…

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa last night said that the fight against organised crime and corruption will be stepped up as he announced the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to deal with gang violence and illegal mining in the Western Cape and Gauteng respectively. In his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA), Ramaphosa declared organised crime as the most immediate threat to the country’s democracy and outlined comprehensive plans to strengthen the fight against criminal networks. “Our primary focus this year is on stepping up the fight against organised crime and corruption, and we will do so using technology, intelligence and integrated law enforcement. “We will tackle organised crime by consolidating intelligence at national level, identifying priority syndicates and deploying handpicked multidisciplinary intervention teams focused on dismantling…

The Gauteng High Court has ruled against the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in a tax dispute, finding that the revenue service acted unfairly in refusing to suspend payment of a R531 million disputed tax bill. The case involves a businessman who offered R1.25 billion worth of shares in TMM Holdings as security for the debt, but the revenue service rejected the offer, due to alleged risks of asset dissipation and jeopardy to tax recovery. The court said SARS ignored important facts, like the value of the shares offered as security, and made decisions based on “irrational and unreasonable” assumptions. “Accordingly, I find further that the respondent based the second decision on incorrect facts rather than on the correct facts, and the second decision was so unreasonable that no reasonable…

Acting parliamentary leader for the official opposition uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), Des van Rooyen, has said that while he is happy with how the party has been fulfilling its role in Parliament; however, there is still room for improvement. Speaking yesterday, Van Rooyen not only shared the party’s criticisms of it, but also shared insight into how he has been adjusting to the role and how the MKP has fared. Van Rooyen was appointed after the first deputy president and parliamentary leader, Dr John Hlophe, was suspended with immediate effect, pending a full investigation into his conduct, in November last year. The decision was announced after party President Jacob Zuma returned from a trip to Burkina Faso and convened a meeting with senior MK Party officials, where he was briefed…

Two matches into the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, South Africa have already tasted the pressures that come with playing on the big stage. Their tournament opener against Canada was a relatively easy victory; however, the Afghanistan fixture provided a test of note. The side had to go through two super overs to get over the line and secure an important victory in the group stage. The pressure provided an awakening for the squad — one they needed as the intensity will only increase as the tournament progresses. Moreover, the fact that South Africa was able to win the Afghanistan double-super-over thriller will go a long way in boosting the team’s confidence. The squad now understands what World Cup pressure really feels like and how they should go about…

England manager Thomas Tuchel signed a new contract yesterday that will see him remain head coach of the team till the end of Euro 2028. The German was confirmed as the successor to Gareth Southgate in October 2024 and has overseen an unbeaten qualification run to this year’s World Cup in North America, with England winning all eight group games. “I am very happy and proud to extend my time with England,” said the 52-year-old former Chelsea manager in an FA statement. “It is no secret to anyone that I have loved every minute so far of working with my players and coaches, and I cannot wait to lead them to the World Cup. “It is an incredible opportunity and we are going to do our very best to make…

It’s been a couple of years since South African rugby left the Super Rugby nations behind. Since then, a World Cup triumph — coupled with dominance in the United Rugby Championship via the Stormers and Bulls, and a Challenge Cup victory by the Sharks — has reinforced the strength of the game in the country. For all the progress the local sides have made, the organisers of Super Rugby still feel it’s necessary to declare that they don’t want South African rugby back in the competition. Well, there’s some news from the southern tip of Africa: the franchises here are flourishing in a tournament that is more competitive, far easier on the travel schedule, and far more considerate of the sleeping patterns of supporters at home. There is no longing…

The challenge facing South Africa’s automotive sector is no longer simply about recovery or resilience, but it is about the scale of the market. That was the central message from Toyota South Africa Motors (TSAM) President and CEO, Andrew Kirby, as he addressed industry stakeholders at the State of the Motor Industry on Thursday, where he delivered a stark assessment of the country’s manufacturing trajectory. While South Africa's new vehicle market showed encouraging growth last year and finally recovering above 2019 pre-pandemic levels, Kirby cautioned that the underlying structure of the industry is becoming increasingly fragile. Kirby argued that a domestic market of roughly 600,000 units remains too small to sustainably support a competitive manufacturing base. "While it's not as high as 2006 and 2007, and certainly not where they…

South Africa’s automotive industry is at a turning point. The potential closure of a major German car plant goes beyond one factory closing. East London would feel the immediate impact, but it would expose weaknesses across the entire sector and raise concerns about the country’s manufacturing future. A national economic risk The automotive sector drives about 25% of East London’s economy. A shutdown will result in thousands of direct jobs being cut and affect suppliers, logistics, maintenance, security, and other services. Nationally, over 100,000 jobs could be at risk when the full supply chain is counted. Investments in plants, machines, and infrastructure risk sitting idle, wasting resources. Exports would drop as cars for overseas markets stop coming from South Africa. Worst of all, it could send a message to…

As the highly anticipated Budget Speech for the 2026/27 tax year approaches, the real risk to taxpayers is not in new taxes, but rather from a powerful alternative already in Sars’s hands. Let's be honest and realistic, South Africa enters the 2026/27 Budget cycle fiscally constrained, politically fragmented, and administratively assertive, and embroiled in investigations into the capturing and infiltration of the SAPS and the justice system. The dramatic unravelling of the 2025/26 Budget, delayed, amended, and stripped of its proposed VAT increase, has changed the terrain on which the next Budget will be delivered. With one of Treasury’s most potent revenue levers rendered politically radioactive, attention now turns to the question many taxpayers are underestimating: if tax rates cannot rise meaningfully, where will the money come from? The simple…

South African Breweries' (SAB) revenue growth for its 2025 financial year was boosted by their premium and super premium beer brands, SAB CEO Richard Rivett-Carnac said Thursday. He said they delivered mid-single digit top-line and bottom-line growth. Revenue per hectolitre increased by low-single digits. Volumes grew by low-single digits, but was estimated to have outperformed the industry in both beer and Beyond Beer, which is the portfolio of non-traditional beers. Earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation grew by mid-single digits. “Both the beer and Beyond Beer categories continued to grow and gain share of alcohol beverages this year according to our estimates. The momentum of our business continued, with focused investments in our megabrands increasing the brand power of our portfolio. Our premium and super premium beer brands grew…

British American Tobacco's (BAT) management said they remain committed to shareholder value by delivering robust cash returns, with progressive dividends and sustainable share buy-backs, including a £1.3 billion programme for 2026. This was according to the chief executive Tadeu Marroco. He said at the release of the group results for the year to December 31, 2025, that the momentum of the group in 2025, with resilient combustibles delivery and further productivity initiatives, that they would be able to deliver on their target of 3% to 5% revenue growth, and 5% to 8% of growth in adjusted earnings per share (EPS), with 2026 expected to be at the lower end of the range. The group is planning to close its sole South African manufacturing facility by the end of 2026, as…

Controversial forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan is a “blatant name-dropper” who seeks attention by creating the impression that he is a big police expert, this is according to South Africa’s first post-apartheid national police commissioner, George Fivaz. Fivaz made the remarks during an interview on the African Renaissance Podcast hosted by former EFF heavyweight Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, where he distanced himself from O’Sullivan and questioned his credentials. Asked about him, Fivaz responded, “Who’s that?” He said he met O’Sullivan only once while serving as national commissioner, when O’Sullivan sought a meeting under the pretext of sharing important information. “He said, ‘If you don’t take me with you, you’re going to be dead in the water,’” Fivaz recalled. “I told him I wasn’t going anywhere.” “The man doesn’t know me,” Fivaz said.…

As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to outline renewed crime-fighting plans in his State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Madlanga Commission is hearing testimony that parts of the EMPD and the SAPS allegedly turned law enforcement into a criminal enterprise. IPID senior investigator Nomsa Masuku is expected to return to the commission in Pretoria to expand on her testimony into corruption inside the City of Ekurhuleni. The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has heard allegations of a rogue EMPD unit led by the suspended acting chief, commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi, accused of operating outside the law. Testimony before the inquiry suggested the unit allegedly interfered in investigations, targeted businesses, and worked in tandem with elements within SAPS, effectively weaponising state authority for private gain. Masuku’s testimony forms part of IPID’s…

As thousands of Gauteng residents queue for water tankers and endure dry taps, Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s admission that he sometimes goes to a hotel to bathe has triggered public backlash. The remark, made during a media briefing on Wednesday on the province’s water challenges, was meant to illustrate that even public officials experience supply disruptions. “We also run out of water like everyone else. Sometimes I have to go to a hotel so that I can bath,” Lesufi said. But the comment quickly drew criticism from residents facing prolonged outages, with many describing it as tone-deaf and disconnected from the realities on the ground. Lesufi has since issued a formal apology, stating that he did not intend to offend or trivialise the province’s deepening water challenges. In a statement, he…

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has confirmed that tropical cyclone Gezani poses no threat to the country at this stage. The cyclone, according to AFP, has already claimed more than 35 lives and caused devastation in Madagascar’s second-largest city. AFP reported that the National Office for Risk and Disaster Management (BNRGC) yesterday said it had recorded 35 deaths, while six people remained missing and at least 374 were injured. More than 8 800 people were displaced, it said. SAWS said Gezani, which developed over the south-west Indian Ocean to the east of Madagascar, made landfall over Madagascar as a tropical cyclone on Tuesday afternoon, moving inland. It weakened to an overland depression before it entered the Mozambique Channel. The forecaster said when Gezani entered the Mozambique Channel, the system…

The Proteas currently holds an unbeaten record in the ongoing 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, having secured victories against Canada and Afghanistan earlier this week. However, the side is far from being a finished article. Cricket writer Ongama Gcwabe highlights three key areas South Africa must improve before they take the field against New Zealand in Ahmedabad tomorrow. No-balls The Proteas’ pace attack has struggled with overstepping for a number of years. Be it Kagiso Rabada, Wiaan Mulder, or Marco Jansen, the quicks have leaked a high number of no-balls over the last couple of seasons. While these extras have had little impact on results in the past, on Wednesday the “chickens came home to roost”. Rabada’s no-ball in the 20th over nearly cost the team the match,…

Mamelodi Sundowns will have their tails up when they host MC Alger in a must-win CAF Champions League group-stage clash at Loftus Versfeld tomorrow (kickoff 3pm), despite the outside noise that has surrounded the club in recent weeks. Sundowns were regarded as one of the favourites for the Champions League this season following their upward trajectory, which includes winning eight consecutive league titles, reaching last season’s continental final, and impressing at the Club World Cup. However, they have failed to live up to expectations. Performances have dipped and results have been inconsistent; in the group stage, they have managed just one win, drawn three matches, and lost one since the start of the campaign. As a result of that underwhelming run, they head into their final Group C clash against…

Arthur Zwane and AmaZulu’s approach of building the team around youngsters appears to be a match made in heaven. That is why Hendrick Ekstein says the senior players are determined to help carry out the club’s vision. Zwane has enjoyed an impressive run this season, guiding the team to fourth place in the Betway Premiership and into the Nedbank Cup last 16 so far, after beginning the campaign as sole head coach. The 52-year-old’s progress stems from a shift in approach during pre-season. The club released ageing and underperforming veterans while integrating a number of youngsters into the squad, mapping out the club’s future. As a result, players such as Nkosikhona Radebe, Liam Bern, Langelihle Mhlongo, and Thandolwenkosi Ngwenya have been central to the team’s exploits this season. Working with…

Upbeat President announces sweeping reforms to South Africa’s energy and logistics sectors President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced sweeping reforms to South Africa’s energy and logistics sectors, including the establishment of an independent state-owned transmission company, new private investment in the national grid and plans to introduce high-speed rail corridors. Delivering the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday night in Parliament, Ramaphosa said government is determined to create a competitive electricity market and reduce the country’s reliance on a single energy supplier. “We are now establishing a level playing field for competition so that we are never again exposed to the risk of relying on a single supplier to meet our energy needs,” he said. "By 2030, more than 40% of our energy supply will come from cheap,…

Global mining is at an inflection point: demand for critical minerals, underpinned by the low-carbon transition, defence spend, transport electrification and data centres is accelerating in an environment where supply is rising, metals prices are volatile and government intervention is scaling up, said BDO Audit Partner and UK Head of Natural Resources and Energy, Matt Crane. He was writing in BDO's Annual Mining Report 2024, which was released Wednesday. The report found that sustainability has moved from the periphery, to the core of mining strategy. While ESG frameworks and reporting standards are expanding, their effectiveness is however inconsistent. "Many companies still grapple with fragmented disclosures and struggle to integrate sustainability into operational decision-making," the report found. Recycling and circularity was an opportunity. Recycled minerals could generate up to 80% fewer…

Valentine’s Day is the world’s biggest marketing campaign for couples. But what if the most radical act of love is not dinner for two, but freedom for one? The truest love story isn’t written in roses, but in the choices that secure your future self. Every rand saved today is both a gift and a promise: a bouquet that never fades, a love letter that grows in value. And this year, singles are invited to think differently – to see saving as the ultimate act of self-love. Psychologists often remind us that the ability to delay gratification is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success and happiness. Saving is exactly that: choosing future joy over instant indulgence. Every time you put money aside, you’re telling yourself: “I matter. My…

South32 generated strong first half earnings growth after higher metals prices boosted a stable operating performance, while Mozal Aluminium in Mozambique is being put into care and maintenance. Underlying earnings before interest tax depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) increased 9% to $1.1 billion and underlying earnings were 16% up at $435 million. Attributable profit was up 29% to $464m. Full-year production and operating unit cost guidance remained unchanged across the operated businesses, in line with the group's focus on safe and reliable operating performance. Mozal Aluminium is being transitioned to care and maintenance in March 2026 due to the inability to secure sufficient and affordable electricity supply. "We are working closely with our people and stakeholders through this change," said South 32's CEO Graham Kerr. The group had first announced their…

It’s a new week, and that means we have a fresh round of celebrity headlines and trending updates. From AKA’s lookalike going viral but ruffling some feathers to new music, new career ventures and relationships, here’s what got tongues wagging this week: 1 AKA lookalike performing sparks debate on social media A video featuring a man who strongly resembles the late rapper AKA has recently gone viral on social media. The man was seen performing the late rapper’s music in a club, leaving social media users divided with opinions about his performance. Some users were strongly against what the lookalike was doing, while some shared that this man is simply a fan of the late rapper and there is nothing wrong with what he is doing. 2 Tyla teases fans…

Hey, Upper East Siders, the rumours are true, and this time they’re coming straight from the source. Gossip Girl book series author Cecily von Ziegesar is returning to her throne to pen a brand-new standalone sequel titled Blair. Twenty years after the original series concluded, this offering skips the headbands and school uniforms to catch up with a 40-something Blair Waldorf. Expect a more mature, and likely more cynical, version of our favourite socialite. The story finds Blair returning to Manhattan after a long, mysterious absence. It seems like she’s experienced a major “fall from grace”, and she’s back with one goal: clawing her way back to the top of the social food chain. According to Deadline, the novel will be released in 2027. The original 13-book series defined a…

Love songs continue to stand the test of time, and in South Africa, we are fortunate to have music bursting with talent. Music can be a great way to express yourself to your loved one or potential love interest this Valentine’s Day. Here are South African songs to help you get your message across on Valentine’s Day. Shela – Sam Deep, Nia Pearl and Boohle. Shela has been dominating the airwaves since its release last year. During December, it topped Apple Music charts and became the most-identified song on Shazam in South Africa. But Valentine’s Day might be another moment for the song to shine. In South African slang, ‘shela’ means to flirt or ask someone out, and that energy is felt throughout the track, with each verse teasing, coaxing,…

The Consulate General of Nigeria in Johannesburg has condemned the killing of Nigerian national Emeka Clement Uzor during a Sizok’Thola anti-drug operation in Randburg, saying the incident has “raised questions over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa”. Uzor was shot multiple times while seated in his vehicle at a garage in Windsor East on Sunday afternoon. In a statement, the consulate said the report of the incident had caused “shock and pain” to Uzor’s family, the Nigerian community and diplomatic missions in South Africa. “The unfortunate incident has raised questions over the safety of Nigerians and other foreigners in South Africa,” the diplomatic mission said. It added that no matter the allegations against an individual, there are legal processes to follow. “All should be presumed innocent…

The legal team of judge’s secretary Andiswa Mengo, who laid a complaint of sexual harassment against Eastern Cape High Court Judge President Selby Mbenenge, say they will continue to advocate for accountability and survivor-centred justice. This comes as the Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) confirmed that JP Mbenenge remains on special leave and will remain in effect until the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has concluded its consideration of the report of the Judicial Conduct Tribunal (JCT). The Tribunal exonerated Judge President Mbenenge of gross misconduct but did, however, find him guilty on a lesser charge of misconduct for engaging in an exchange of WhatsApp messages, which was described as flirtation between two adults and this was consensual. In a statement, the OCJ said: “The special leave was granted in…

The University of South Africa (Unisa) officially opened its 2026 academic year with a strong call for focus, alignment, and bold leadership, as Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Puleng LenkaBula positioned higher education at the centre of national development and global accountability. Opening her address against the backdrop of heightened geopolitical tension, LenkaBula referred to controversial developments linked to United States President Donald Trump and the reported capture of Venezuela’s president, describing them as reminders of the fragility of international relations. Such global shifts, she said, highlight the urgent need for institutions of higher learning to cultivate graduates capable of critical thought, ethical reasoning, and diplomatic engagement. “This year must be marked by dedication, coherence, and decisive action,” she told a packed ZK Matthews Great Hall at Unisa’s Muckleneuk Campus. With…

FEBRUARY could be a make-or-break month for Betway Premiership log leaders Orlando Pirates, who are facing three defining fixtures starting this weekend. Lining up for the Soweto side are the unpredictable Marumo Gallants (February 14th), title contenders and perennial league winners Mamelodi Sundowns (February 18th) and bitter rivals and neighbours Kaizer Chiefs (February 28th). All three fixtures carry significance that could define Pirates’ run as they look to win the league title for the first time in 14 years: Gallants: The side that brought Pirates’ current head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou into the country last season, is one of the two teams that beat the Buccaneers at the beginning of the season. Pirates’ only other league loss so far this season came against Sekhukhune United during the same opening period. Given…